PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AND PROTOCOL

MISSION

To fulfil the army's obligation to keep the Basotho nation, the army and the international community informed. To feather establish the conditions that lead to confidence in the LDF while conducting operations in peacetime, conflict and war. To Plan, develop and synchronize effective Public Affairs Programs, Policies and resources ensuring support for the commander's priorities and concept of operations.

VISION

Promote professional development within the PAO community by leveraging the expertise of its work force to aid in Military transition, provide networking opportunities and offering innovation in the field. The PAO community would be the best trained and readily deployable professionals capable of analyzing and considering the attitudes and behaviors of the audiences.

SERVICES

The services of PAO and Protocol are in the form of information distributed to various publics; members of the organization and the general public. The office has six sections that include Public Information, Command Information, Community Relation, Photography, Information Technology and Protocol offices. Currently the first three sections are combined into one due to limited resources and personnel. The photographic section is more effective since it has been established for some time, while Protocol tasks are performed by outsourced manpower during big events.

PUBLIC INFORMATION

The PAO and Protocol is responsible for conveying information of a military nature and focusing on security issues that must be known to the general public. The public affairs ensures that such information is not detrimental or will not compromise security. The mode of communication is via press conferences, interviews, press releases, telephonic distribution of press releases and emails. Information needs to be current, accurate, and timely. Such information gets approval from the higher command before it is shared to the media.

COMMAND INFORMATION

The PAO and Protocol office is, among other duties, responsible to ensure that any information or orders from the high command reaches service members including civilian employees of the LDF and sometimes the retirees if so required. Usually this type of information comes in the form of orders, organization policies or sometimes creating awareness, to the service members about the risk factors to be taken care of. This kind of communication prides members and increases their effectiveness as ambassadors of their organization.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

The PAO and Protocol is charged with, among other tasks, maintaining Community Relations with the communities in which they are closely linked by various factors. The office use various methods to establish and maintain such mutually beneficial relationships. The communities include, among others, government ministries, private sectors, the general public and individuals to name just a few. The relationships are usually targeting to improve and protect the lives of Basotho in general.

STAKEHOLDERS

The PAO and Protocol doors are open to individuals, companies or any members willing to provide technical and or material support to the former. We ensure that we meet members of the media to provide information, regarding the activities of the organization, willingly or as may be required. The office also advice the command on how to handle issues affecting the media or the community based on analysis made on public perceptions.

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Our People

LDF tasks are always delivered directly by soldiers through human interaction. They are our greatest assets. The LDF embraces diversity, inclusivity and contributes to society in everything it does. We have to make life-critical decisions and take purposeful action in sometimes hostile, confusing and unclear situations that occasionally test us to the limit of human endurance. Our training, development and preparation is personally rewarding but also ensures we are united by common values and strong bonds and will do the right thing, even under the most difficult circumstances.